Fastener unit and method of its assembly



July 22, 1941. c. G. OLSON 2,250,050

' FASTENER UNIT AND METHOD OF ITS {\SSEMBLY Filed March 6, 1939. 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORI 'ar disol ATTORNEY5. I

July 22,1941. c. G. OLSON 2,250,050

FASTENER UNIT AND METHOD OF ITS ASSEMBLY Filed March 6, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 '34 48 r 4 1 I 6anZ6AS01Z ATTORNEY-5.

' Patented July22, 1941 v I UNITED STATES PATENT. OFFICE.

FASTENEB AND METHOD OF ITS ASSEMBLY Carl G. Qlsom'Ohicago, IiL, 'assignor to Illinois Tool Works, Chicago, 11]., a corporation of- Illinois 1 ApplicationMal'ch 6, i939, Serial No. 260,015

6 Claims. (CL 10-73) The present invention relates to preassembled radially outwardly to release them from gripping threaded fasteners and lock washers, and more relationship. In other words, the present invenparti'cularly to the combination, with the'clamption contemplates the use of'lock washers, the ing surface of a rotary threaded clamping memmain body portion of which comprises a conber, such as a screw head or nut, of a lock washer tinuous convolution of spring stock, so that frictionally engaging a peripheral portion of the inward distortion ofsections of the body causes clamping member, and to methods for preassemthe portions of the washer therebetween, and

I bling the said elements. which are not subjected to inward distortion,

Preassembling lock washers and screws, or look a to assume a somewhat elliptical outward curve. washers and nuts, prior to shipment thereof to It is an important object of the present invention the user contributes materially to the ease and I to provide a lock washer assembly as above,

speedwith which the fasteners may be applied wherein the outwardly yieldable portions carry 7 to the work, particularly in mass production lugs or projections normally adapted to gripindustries where fasteners and lock washers are pingly engage the fastener, which portions are extensively employed. The manual assembly of separated by intermediate sections normally a lock washer with a screw-1-for'example, before spaced from the fastener so as to permit the application of the assembly to the work-necessections to be yieldably distorted inwardly-withsitates' the expenditure of considerable time and out interference from the lock washer receiving effort and results in considerable loss of lock, portion of the fastener. washers because of the difficulty of manually It is a fur'therobject of the present invention manipulating such small articles. The present to provide an assembly, such as the foregoing, invention accordingly contemplates the provision wherein the rotary threaded fastener is provided of assemblies wherein the lock washer is permawith a peripheral lock washer receiving portion nently secured to the screw or nut against axialhaving a greater diameter than the outer diamdisplacement so as to enable the shipment and eter of the thread, so that the washer is more delivery of such assemblies'to the point of destior less freely movable axially over the threaded nation where they are to be applied to the work. portion prior to application to the fastener.

More specifically, the present invention con- A more specific object of the present invention templates assemblies of units, as specified above, is to provide a washer assembly as above having wherein the inner portions of the lock washer peripheral prongs for engaging a lock washer frictionally bear against complementary periphreceiving portion of thefastener, and being proeral portions of the screw shank or the complevided" with additional resilient locking prongs mentary annular shoulder of the nut, so that having locking teeth adapted to co-act with these parts are permanently held together as a adjacent work surfaces to counteract retrograde preassembled unit. While a lock washer may rotation of thefastener, the locking prongsbeing be, forced frictionally into tight fitting position spaced from the washer receiving portion of the upon a complementary peripheral portion of a fastener, so that they are free to co-act with screw shank, this is in general impractical in adjacent work surfaces to-produce a maximum large scale production methods, since to provide locking action. a forced fit between a portion of a screw shank- 40 The present invention contemplates methods for example, a tightly embracing member--' whereby the foregoing lock washers and periphplaces a strict necessity for the maintenance eral surface portions in the vicinity of the clampof extremely close tolerances in manufacture of ing surface of a screw head or nut may be relathe parts, thus increasing the expense of protively shifted in an axial direction to a position duction. to permit frictional gripping of complementary The present invention accordingly contemortions of the parts. plates an assembly, as specified above. wherein It is a further object of the present invention the lock washer is provided with radially, into provide a method, such as the above, wherein Y wardly extending gripping portions adapted 'to the lock washers andfasteners may be assembled engage with a peripheral surface in the vicinity after the thread has been cut or rolled upon the of the clamping surface of the screw or nut, said screw shank-r-for example, by temporary distorgripping portion or portions being spaced apart tlon of the washer, permitting it to pass relatively about the washer and separat'edlby intermediate freely into position for permanent association sections adapted to yield inwardly when comwith the fastener.

pressed, in order to carry the gripping portions i The foregoing and numerous other objects and Figure-2;

1 taken on the line |2 |z in FigurelO;

advantages lowingdetailed description when considered in 2,250,050 be more apparent from the folconnection with the following drawings, where- Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a preassembied screw and lock washer made in accord- ;ance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the washer used in the assembly shown in Figure 1; I,

Figure 3 is f8. detailed elevational viewof the preassembledscrew and lock washer shown in Flgure'l, the front half of the lock washer being head;

Figure 4 is a view substantially the same as Figure 3, but wherein the lock washer is broken away in a plane indicated by the line 4-4 of Figure 5 is a'sectional view taken on the line 55 of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a view taken on the same plane as Figure 5, but showing the lock washer distorted so' as to be released from tight fitting relationship upon the fastener;

re 7 is a view taken on the same plane as Figures 3 and 4 but showing a modified-form of,

screw fastener; n

Figure 8 is a side elevational view of a modified form of preassembled screw and lock washer; Figure 9 is a plan view of a lock washer em ployed in the assembly shown in Figure 8;

' broken away to more clearly illustrate'ithe cooperation of the locking prongs with the-screw- Figure 10 is a sectional view taken on the line Ill-l0 ofFigure 8; b 4 Figure 11 is a view taken the'same as Figure 10 but shows the lock washer distorted so as to be fastener;

Figure 12 is a detailed side elevational view Figure 13 is a in Figure 11;

.Figures 14 and 15 are detailed sectional views similar to Figures 10 and 11 but showing a modifled form of lock. washer constructed in accordview taken on the line l3-l3 ance with the present invention; and Figure 16 is a side elevational view of a nut-- released from tight fitting relationship upon .the

clamping forces are and lock washer assembly embodying the'principles of' the present invention, with the front view of the lower portion of the assembly being broken away to more clearly illustrate the manner in which the parts are joined together.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals have been employed to lar parts throughout the various figures, Figures 1 to 5, inclusive, illustrate the preassembing of screw.desig'nated, by the reference numeral 20 '"nda lock washer 22. The screw 20, of which a s scre'w head forms a part, has a screwshank portion 26. The lower-surface of the head extends outwardly from the videa clamping surface 28. The peripheral por tion of the screw shank 26in the vicinity of the clamping surface 28 is designed .to frictionally receive complementary portions formed on the therwasher body, which will 'be ,.hereina'fter more fully described. Thus the 5 screw shank I6 is provided with a peripheral lock :washer receiving portion designated generally by 3|, which portionin the presentembodiment is generally cylindrical in configuration. 1 l

The lock washer. shown b of illustration includes an outer annular body 32 of springs stock having the reference numeral designate simi-- -media'te of each of these prong "which is similarly warped, deflected, or 5 in-groups of three, extending from three equally spaced sections of the lock washer body. Intergroups extends a radial the inward extremitiesof the prongs 34. As a result of this-construction, when theelock washer is associated-with thescrew shown in Figures 1i and 5, the relatively long prongs 38 project into tight fitting relationship with the complementary.- areas on the lcyiindrical surface 30. It will be obvious that the frictional engagement of the three prongs permanently secures the members together against relative axial displacement so that the lock washer is positioned with its locking teeth in operative relationsh'ip tothe clamping surface 28.

The present invention contemplates the assembling of the foregoing washer intermediate of the locking projections .38 are so configurated that their innermost peripheral edges are located in the arc of a circle spaced apredetermined distance beyond the outer periphery of -the washer receiving surface 30. a If applied to the outer-periphery of the washer'at the points indicated by the letter .A (Figure 6),the washer body will be dis-. torted out of its normal circular formation-and into somewhat elliptical formations. It should be particularly noted that the application ofthe forces is limited to points A intermediate of the locking projections 38, wherefore elliptical distor- 'tion of the adjacent portions is permitted by reason of the spaclngprovided between the explane of the tremities of the prongs 38 and the washer receiving surface 30.

Particular attention is directed tojthe fact that,

'- as a natural result-of this distortion of the. in-

screw shank portion to pro- 'able portions comprise .the

wardly yieldable sections, relative outward radial movement of the-intervening portions of the lock washer body takes place. The outwardly yieldprojections 38 which are-accordingly shifted radially outwardly. Thus,

herein for the purpose.

spaced along the innen tight fitting while, as clearly shown in A (see Figure 6), the prongs engagement for placement.

The present invention contemplates the utilizationof the-foregoing distortion ofth'e washer in order to permit rapid and freeapplication of lock washers to a fastener, and to this end the lock radial direction beyond- I ent invention contemplates,

Figure 6 by the application of stresses at three points A, whereupon the screw 20 is freely inserted until the peripheral washer receiving portion 30 resides in the plane of the washer 22. At this time the clamping or washer distorting forces are released to permit the washer to spring back to its original circular configuration, whereupon the projections 38 move into tight fitting clamping relationship with the screw shank to permanently secure the parts against axial displacement. It will be understood from the foregoing that the elasticity of to cause the washer to assume its original form, thus resulting in a firm securement to the screw shank.

Attention is directed to the fact that the presin accordance with one preferred modification, the provision of a washer receiving fastener surface 30 having a diameter greater than the outer diameter of the thread upon the shank 26 for permitting the washer to be passed axially over the shank without contacting or damaging the thread convolutions. A construction of this character permits assembly of lock washer and screw after the threads have been extruded or out upon the shank.

Also, attention ures 3 and 4 of the that the locking prongs washer receiving section is particularly directed to Figdrawings, wherein it is shown 34 are spaced from the 30 in the finished assembly and are, accordingly, free to co-act with the adjacent clamping surfaces to result in maximum locking efliicency. It should be noted also that the projecting prongs 38 are adapted to produce an additional tooth locking action through'the agency of their opposed locking teeth 36 irrespective of the fact that these projections also serve to permanently assemble the parts. 1

In Figure 7 I have disclosed a screw and lock washer assembly similar in all respects to that disclosed in the foregoing figures, but having a lock washer receiving shank portion 40 providing an annular, outwardly facing recess or depression. As clearly shown in-the figure, the clamping'prongs or lugs 38 engage the curved or recessed face of the lock washer receiving portion 40. It will be seen that the holding portions or protuberances '38 are thus adapted to cooperate with screw shanks of widely varying shape and form for permanently holding the washer against axial displacement.

In Figures 8 and 10 I have disclosed the manner in which the screw 20 may be preassembled with a lock washer 22a, in which the body 32a is associated with a plurality of external locking membersor prongs 34, as distinguished from the internal locking members or prongs 34 of Figures 1 to 7, inclusive. It is particularly important the washer stock issuch as After the assembly tonote that the present lock washer is provided I with internal extensions or protuberances 42,

which, in the embodiment shown, are equally spaced about the inner periphery of the body 32a.

As shown in Figure 10, the projections 42, when the washer is arranged in final assembled relationship on the screw, function to frictionally grasp the lock washer receiving portion 30 of the screw shank. Attention is particularly directed, however, to the fact that the projections 42 further function to space intermediate sections of the washer body 32 from the screw shank, the spacing being yield appreciably inwardly under properly plied, opposed clamping forces.

sufllcient to permit the sections to yieldably forced radially inwardly to cause the protuberancesto move in an opposite radial direction. This function ,ofthe member is illustrated in Figure 11 wherein the washer of Figure 9 is disclosed in yieldably distorted form at the instant of its application over the screw shank. It should be noted that the gripping forces producing the yieldable distortion of the washer are applied substantially at the three points A. It will be seen that the application of force occurs at the extremity of certain of the locking prongs 34. It will beunderstood, however, that in the event application of distorting pressure to the prongs is deemed undesirable-for example, in instances where the prongs are incapable of receiving the. buckling-a substantially similar effect may be secured by applying equivalent forces along the lines B. Here, as in the foregoing embodiment, the yielding distortion of the lock washer body causes a plurality of somewhat elliptical curved formations, resulting in the bodily removal of the prongs or lugs 42 from the vicinity of the plane of the shank. .While held in the position shown in Figure 11, the washer is freely applied axially over the. shank to the position shown in Figure 8, and upon release of the holding forces; the washer body springs into its original position for permanently grasping the fastener.

Figures 10 and 12 illustrate the cooperative permanent frictional gripping between the holding prongs or projections 42 and the peripheral washer receiving landing 30, while Figures 11 and 13 show the relative separation of these members. of the foregoing lock washer and screw, the locking prongs 34 reside in assembled position adjacent the clamping surface 28 with biting edges 36 available for interlocking action.

As illustrated in Figures 14 and 15, a modified form of assembly comprises a lock washer which cooperates with the fastener to frictionally grasp the latter at oppositely disposed peripheral points, and which, accordingly, may be deformed for application to the fastener by clamping forces applied at only two intermediate points. The washer assembly disclosed in Figure 15 shows the washer in approximately its normal position. It should be noted that the locking prongs 34 project inwardly from the body 32, but differ from the previously disclosed embodiments in that they are arranged in a line which is .the locus of a point forming a closed elliptical curve, about the axis of the screw shank. As a result, the prongs designated by the reference numeral 34b extend most nearly to the central axis of the washer, while the adjacent prongs are spaced therefrom with a progressively increasing distance, until prongs 340, which are the prongs farthest removed, are provided with a maximum spacing. The prongs 34b accordingly function to frictionally grasp the washer receiving portions of the fastener in final assembled position. Arrangement of the parts in this position is accomplished by merely applying opposed clamping forces to the washer body at the points A (Figure 14) to cause an elliptical distortion. The degree of distortion effected is clearly exemplified necessary force without in Figure 14 by comparison ofthe outer periphplacement of the of the prongs tends to correspond to configuration of the peripheral surface 30 in pre- 1 taining section 46.

s will be understoodfrom the gagement of the theless aheaded letter A or B eral position of the washer with its normal circu lar periphery, as illustrated by the dot-and-dash line. The elliptical distortion of the outer periphery, however, results in a corresponding disinner extremities of the locking prongs 34, so that the latter are brought out of their normal elliptical alinement. The prongs 34 yield outwardly as the intermediate prongs are forced inwardly. The resulting configuration the circular venting frictional interengagement.

It is important, of course, washer is at no time distorted limit, and upon release of the clamping forces returns to the clamping position in Figure 15.

It will be obvious that the washers shown in Figures 14 and 15 may be further modified along the lines of the washer in Figure 2 to the extent that the prongs intermediate of the innermost projecting prongs 34b need not reside in a normally elliptical line, but may be all spaced the same distance from the plane of the screw shank.

That is to say, where manufacturing methods.

render this construction more desirable, the looking prongs intermediate of the prongs 34b may all be arranged annularly, provided of course that their innermost extremities are spaced radially outwardly of the extremities of the grasping prongs 34b.

I have shown in Figure 16 the application of the present invention to an internally threaded fastener, wherefore it will be evident that the into note that the 7 beyond its elastic ers are assembled by vention is equally applicable to threaded fasteners of both types. The clamping member or nut, which is designated generally by the numeral 44, is of conventional vided at its clamping side with a lock washer re- This section 46 extends axially beyond the clamping surface 28 of the nut, but preferably only a suflicient sure the assembled retention of 22a. The lock washer holding or retaining section in this embodiment has an outer cylindrical surface, although, as noted above, the configuration of the surface may be varied widely as to form. The lock washer 22a is of substantially identical -form as that disclosed inFigure 9. It

foregoing description that the projections 42 on the lock washer cooperate with the peripheral surface of the lock washer receiving section 46 to permanently retain the parts in position.

Attention is further directed to the fact that the lower extremity of the washer receiving secthe lock washer tion 46 is headed over or upset slightly as at 48 to additionally insure the positive retention of the washer in its axial-position with respect to the nut. While it will be understood that for general purposes the cooperative frictional enis suflicient to permanently remulti-sided design and prowasher and the peripheral redistance to intical distortion of the washer shown in Figures 14 and 15 may be efiected in a conventional vise, and it will be evident that the washer in Figure 6 may be similarly handled by use-of a vise having three jaws actuable in planes which are spaced by equal angles. Such a vise or clamping device is exemplified by a chuck or collet as conventionally used for holding work in alathe. In view of the fact that the present invention is not concerned with the specific form of clamping devices andthe like are not particularly illustrated. It will suflice to say, however, that the invention contemplates the use of various forms of devices whereby my improved method of as sembling washers of the present type may be practiced.

Attention is particularly directed to the fact that, while the present invention is applicable to practice in connection with relatively soft fasteners, nevertheless it maybe employed in assembling lock washers upon relatively hard fasteners, for example, thread forming fasteners which are normally hardened for cutting complementary thread portions in a work piece. This results from the fact that the present washa'method which contemfree assembly of the parts. exists no necessity for causplates the relatively That is to say, there ing the lock washer undesired directional engagement with the shank of the fastener, in order to experience tight fitting engagement of the parts. On the contrary, the permanent engagement of the parts is experienced only when the washer distorting forces are released to permit the clamping portions to exert a gripping force upon the complementary surfaces. 1

From the foregoin it will be apparent that my present invention peditious method of securing lock washers and threaded clamping members in preassembled relation prior to shipment to the ultimate user.

The frictional resistance set up between the in ner marginal portion of the washers and the receiving surface. of the fastener is sufllcient to retain the parts in preassembled relationship without danger of unauthorized disassembly. It should be understood that the frictional engagement of the lock washer stock with the periphery of the screw shank is preferably just suflicient to retain the parts in proper assembled relation without interfering with the locking characteristics of the lock washer prongs or looking teeth. It is accordingly evident that, when the foregoing assemblies are tightened against the work, the embedding action of the teeth serves to insure against retrograde movement or loosening of the 'tural arrangement of tain the members in assembled position, neverover flange or burr 48 may sometimes be very readily formed in the case of fasteners of the instant type and cooperates to posi-'.

tively prevent disassembly under any conditions.

The application of clamping forces tending to radially displace predetermined sections of the washer body may be employed through the assistance of various devices or combination of de-' vices. For example, the washer may be forced through an aperture having inwardly tapering projections opposite the points designated by the in Figures 6, 11, and 14. The ellipclamping member.

Attention is directed to the fact that the structhe lock washers described herein is such as to permit assembly upon complementary fasteners, even though the shank tener, the receiving portions of which vary within fairly wide tolerances. foreenables a lock washer which may be employedJn practice, these devices to shear, gouge, .or exert any provides a simple and ex- This invention thereto be assembled upon present diameter yond the clamping. prises causing portions of said washer located 'and increasing the effective shank portions that may vary in accordance with normal manufacturing tolerances.

The term effective diameter specification and claims is defined as that determined by the distance between the innermost extremity of the inwardly extending portions whichcooperate with the shank of the associated fastener for maintaining permanent assembly thereof.

, Obviously the invention is not limited to the specific structural arrangement disclosed herein, but is capable of other modifications'and changes without departing from the spirit andscopc of the present invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure ent is: p

1. The method of assembling a continuous, annular lock washer and fastener which comprises radially yieldably distorting a lock washer inwardly at spaced peripheral points only, to cause intermediate portions of the lock washer to shift in anpppdsite radial direction for increasing the effective internal diameter of the washer, applying said lock washenaxially of a fastener while so distorted, and releasing said distortion to permit said intermediate portions to return to their original position for grippingly engaging'the fastener in tight fitting relationship.

2. The method of assembling a continuous annular lock washer having spaced peripheral fastener engaging portions upon a rotary threaded fastener having a clamping surface extending outwardly from the threaded portion and a lock washer receiving portion extending axially besurface thereof, which com-- between said fastener engaging portions to yield radially inwardly for shifting said fastener engaging portions in an opposite radial direction internal diameter washer axially of the washer, applyingsaid lock of the fastener and releasing said forces to permit, said fastener engaging portion to move to fastener gripping position for permanently securing the partsagainst axial displacement.

3. The method of assembling a continuous, annular lock washer having. inner peripheral projections and fastener having a peripheral lock washer receiving portion which comprises radially yieldablydistorting said lock washer by forces applied at spaced peripheral points located between said projections, to shift said projections of the lock washer in an opposite radial direction for increasing the efiectiveinternal, diameter of the washer, applying said lock washer axially of a fastener while so distorted. and-releasing said distortion to permit said projections to return to fastener gripping position for grippingly engaging the fastener in tight fitting relationship.

4.The method of telescopically assembling a rotary clamping fastener having a peripheral lock washer receiving shank portion extending axially beyond the clamping side thereof and a by Letters Patas used in the then releasing said body rotary clamping fastener having look washer presenting a continuous annular body of spring stock with locking teeth formed integral therewith and having an effective internal diameter normally less than the diameter of a section of the shank periphery positioned axially beyond and in the proximity of said clamping side, which consists in telescopically associating the lock washer and fastener, subjecting the body of the lock washer to radial strain within the elastic limit of the washer stock, said radial strain being directed so as to increase the said effective internal diameter of the washer as said washer and section of the shank periphery. are telescoped, and then releasing said body strain so as to cause said washer to approximate its original internal diameter and thus co-act with said peripheral lock washer receiving shank portion in securing said lock washer against axial displacement.

5. The method of telescopically assembling a rotary clamping fastener having a peripheral lock washer receiving shank portion extending axially beyond the clamping side thereof and a lock washer presenting a continuous inner annular body of'spring stock with looking teeth provided along the external margin thereof and having an effective internal diameter normally less than the diameter of a section of the shank periphery positioned axially yond and in the proximity of said clamping sde, which consists in telescopically associating the lock washer and fastener, subjecting said internal annular lock washer body to radial strain within the elastic limit of the lock washer stock, said radial strain being directed to increase the said effective internal diameter of section of shank periphery are telescoped, and strain so as to cause said washer to approximate its original internal diameter and thus co-act with said peripheral lock washer receiving shank portion in securing I said lock washer against axial displacement.

6. The method of telescopically'assembling a a peripheral lock washer receiving shank portion including a shoulder in the vicinity of but axially spaced from the clamping sideof the fastener and a lock washer presenting a continuous annular body of spring stock with locking teeth formed integral therewith and ameter normally less than the diameter of said shoulder, which consists in telescopically associating the lock washer and fastener, the body of the lock washer to radial strain within the elastic limit of the washer stock, said radial strain being directed so as to increase the shoulder are telescoped, and

said washer to approximate its original internal diameter and thus co-act with said shoulder in securing the lock washer against axial displacement.

CARL G. OLSON.

the washer as said washer-and having an effective internal /di-- subjecting 

